Audio GuideTour Saint-Jacques
The only remaining part of a 16th-century church that was destroyed during the French Revolution.
Tourist Attraction
Paris, France
Welcome to Tour Saint-Jacques, a remarkable monument at the very heart of Paris. Standing at roughly fifty-two meters, this tower was built in the sixteenth century as part of the Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. It once welcomed pilgrims journeying to Santiago de Compostela and remains a cherished link to France’s spiritual past.
The architecture of the tower is a beautiful example of the Gothic flamboyant style. Its design combines pointed ogival arches with ribbed vaults, and ornate sculptures, such as figures representing the four evangelists and traditional gargoyles, grace its surface. These details also reflect the influence of the proud local butchers from the historic Les Halles market.
Although the church was demolished during the French Revolution, the tower was saved and later repurposed as a shot tower. In the mid-nineteenth century, it was restored by architects including Théodore Ballu, who raised the structure on a pedestal to preserve its original stature. A statue honoring Blaise Pascal and a small meteorological laboratory further connect the tower to scientific discovery.
Today, visitors can climb its narrow spiral staircase, only eighty-five centimeters wide, and enjoy panoramic views of Paris. Now recognized as a French Historic Monument, Tour Saint-Jacques continues to capture the imagination with its rich history and timeless architectural beauty.
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